Abstract: Ultrasound monitoring systems and components used in ultrasound monitoring systems, such as Transcranial Dopper (TCD) systems, are disclosed. Components include framework systems for mounting, locating and maintaining one or more ultrasound probes in contact with an anatomical surface, adjustable probe mounting systems, and probe interface components providing an acoustically transmissive interface between a probe mounting system and the emissive face of the ultrasound probe.

Abstract: Mass spectrometer systems for measuring mass/charge ratios of analytes are described. A mass spectrometer system includes a vacuum flange, a PCB base plate coupled to the vacuum flange, and an ion optic assembly coupled to the PCB base plate. The PCB base plate may include signal-processing electronics. The system may include an electrical cable coupled to the PCB base plate for supplying power, control, and I/O to the ion optic assembly and the signal processing electronics. Alternatively, a mass spectrometer system includes a PCB base plate and an ion optic assembly. The PCB base plate has a sealant portion and an electrical portion. The ion optic assembly is coupled to the electrical portion. The system may include a vacuum housing for enclosing the ion optic assembly. The vacuum housing is coupled to the sealant portion of the PCB base plate for sustaining a vacuum while the system is in operation.

Abstract: An integral gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer system is assembled by attaching a gas chromatograph assembly on one side and a mass spectrometer assembly on the other side of a master flange. The gas chromatograph assembly is accurately positioned on a holder board integrally connected to the master flange. The mass spectrometry assembly is accurately positioned on a base plate that is integrally connected to the master flange.

Abstract: A focal plane detector assembly of a mass spectrometer includes an ion detector configured to detect ions crossing a focal plane of the spectrometer and an electrically conductive mesh lying in a plane parallel to the focal plane, positioned such that ions exiting a magnet of the mass spectrometer pass through the mesh before contacting the ion detector. The mesh is maintained at a low voltage potential, relative to a circuit ground, which shields ions passing through the magnet from high voltage charges from other devices, such as microchannel plate electron multipliers. The mesh may be mounted directly to the magnet or positioned some distance away. The detector array may include any suitable device, including a faraday cup detector array, a strip charge detector array, or a CCD detector array.

Abstract: A detented encoder, employed for sensing a rotation of a wheel by a user between detent position, and suited for use in a pointing device or other user input device. The detented encoder includes a light emitter, a pair of photodetectors, and a codewheel. Interruption of light emitted by the light emitter and received by the photodetectors is processed by a logic circuit to produce a quadrature signal indicative of the detent position of the wheel. The codewheel is integral to a shaft that is supported at one end by a support bracket connected to the lower case of the device. The wheel rotates the shaft when turned by a user. The shaft includes a plurality of evenly-spaced, longitudinally extending spline teeth. A biasing member or opto spacer is operatively coupled to the lower case and includes a base portion on which the light emitter and photodetector are mounted. The biasing member includes a cantilever portion.